OVERVIEW: The International Selkirk Loop is a truly spectacular experience, winding around the Selkirk Mountains and passing through Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia. The route often follows lakes and rivers, providing varied and awe-inspiring scenery.

We head north from Spokane, Washington, in the far northeast rural corner of Washington State, into British Columbia, passing through dense green forests, along pristine rivers, sparkling blue lakes, over mountains, passing by ski areas and mountain biking slopes.  To return, we cycle south, via the big lake country of the Idaho Panhandle. Roads have light traffic and we’ll be on a few bike paths as well.  This is an iconic route, traveled by many cyclists.  BAC members have enjoyed this route on seven trips from 2004 through 2023.  

Much of the land along this scenic byway corridor is National Forest, National Wildlife Refuge, Wildlife Management area and Provincial Park.  Highlights include a rest day in Nelson, BC, (the eco-organic recreation center of this area), a rest day in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho on Lake Pend Oreille where we will have a boat cruise on the lake and hear about the catastrophic geological event of the ice-age Missoula Floods which created the landscape of central Washington and Willamette Valley, Oregon.  You may also choose to visit the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge near Bonners Ferry, Idaho (a major migratory bird stop).  We end our trip cycling from Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, on a cycling path along the Spokane River, to Spokane.  The trip is about 520 miles and about 24,000 vertical feet over 11 cycling days.

HEALTH AND SAFETY  Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to
ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed
in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals.
The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as
a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

RIDE RATING: This tour is rated a 2C.  The daily average distance is 47 miles, a B rating, but 6 days are at or above the B rating limit of 50 miles.  Some of the routes are rural without commercial establishments easily available and riders need to be able to carry adequate water and lunch.  Our longest day, Day 4, crosses into Canada and at the border, all cyclists need to meet as a group to cross the border with the van (as the Canadian border agents want luggage and owners of the luggage together for their inspection purposes).  Our steepest continuous climb will be 1.5 miles, up to 9% gradient, after disembarking a ferry across Kootenay Lake. 

This is a relatively remote area with generally light traffic.  It is a very well-known tourist route.  Roads are in good condition and are used mostly by logging and other trucks who are generally courteous and accustomed to cyclists.  Riding into and out of the larger towns, we’ll be on some bike paths, but may encounter heavier traffic.  On two days, there are 2 to 4 mile stretches of gravel on hard packed roads. 

All the destinations on the route are at between 1800 and 2100 feet elevation.  Routes will have climbs to higher elevations from there.  The route has been ridden by the leader and/or ridden by the Co-Leader and Driver previously, most recently in 2023.  The routes will be scouted again in 2026 and final routes will be published no less than one month prior to the start of the tour. 

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Arrive in Spokane for a late afternoon meeting and group dinner

Day 2 – Spokane WA to Priest River, Idaho   63 miles / 2800 feet

Day 3 –Priest River, ID to Ione WA   55 miles / 1517 feet (group pizza night)

Day 4 – Ione WA to Nelson BC  65 miles / 3700 feet (group dinner)

Day 5 – rest day in Nelson BC

Day 6 – Nelson BC to New Denver BC  62 miles / 3900 feet

Day 7 – New Denver BC to Kaslo BC   31 miles / 2500 feet

Day 8 – Kaslo BC to Crawford Bay BC   21 miles / 1900feet

Day 9 – Crawford Bay BC to Creston BC   50 miles / 3100 feet

Day 10 – Creston BC to Bonners Ferry ID   43 miles / 1800 feet

Day 11 – Bonners Ferry ID to Sandpoint ID    47 miles / 1600 feet (group dinner)

Day 12 – rest day in Sandpoint

Day 13 – Sandpoint ID to Coeur d’Alene ID   58 miles / 1400 feet (group dinner)

Day 14 – Coeur d’Alene ID to Spokane WA   35 miles / 640 feet - Depart for home

CUE SHEETS, MAPS AND GPS: RideWithGPS files with maps and cue sheets will be available prior to the ride for riders to download onto their navigation devices.  It is expected that riders will know how to use their navigation devices.  It is suggested that riders print out paper copies from RideWithGPS prior to the trip and carry those with them in case their navigation device fails.

WEATHER: The weather on the Selkirk Loop is variable.  July and August are the hottest, driest months.  In most of our locations, the average overnight lows are around 50 degrees.  As we move into Canada, we will be cycling near lakes and rivers, which tend to keep daytime temperatures lower.  That said, last year the high temperatures ranged in the low to mid 80’s in Washington and Idaho, and the low to mid 70’s in BC.  Additionally, note that rain gear is essential in the Pacific NW.  In Nelson, for example, there were 11 rainfall days in July 2025.  In the mountains, rain or cold weather is always possible and riders should be prepared for extremes of heat or cold.  

LODGING AND MEALS: Hotels will be varied, with some beautiful lakeside hotels, some chain hotels and a few “rustic” rural hotels.  Accommodations can be challenging for a tour like this, and we will be unable to accommodate solos for the tour.  For example, on night 3 in Ione, WA, we will fill the entire hotel (and the entire town most likely).  Currently there are two days with confirmed breakfasts.  During the scouting this summer, the Ride Leader will research and make a concerted effort to add more breakfast arrangements and send an update to riders.  There will be five group dinners provided.  Lunches during the day are on your own.  We will set up in the morning at the UHaul truck so that you can make sandwiches to carry on your ride. A happy hour will be held every evening with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as light munchies.   The bulk of our expenses are in lodging and the trip includes 13 nights’ accommodations.  We will be riding Selkirk during the best weather and peak season (July). While hotel costs are higher, with rising costs overall, we have budgeted an amount that we expect to cover higher hotel costs as well as higher van rental cost and gasoline cost.  Because of this, the cost of the trip has increased over 2023.

LOGISTICS: This trip crosses the US/Canadian border and all riders must have a current passport (that is valid at least 6 months beyond our first crossing date) or other documents sufficient to cross the border into Canada and then re-enter the US.  

We begin (and will finish) our tour at the Ruby River Hotel in Spokane, Washington. Spokane has a major airport, “GEG”, served by major airlines.  Our hotel does not offer a shuttle.  The airport is 12 minutes away from the airport, so local taxi and Uber are available.  If you drive to Spokane and will be leaving your vehicle during the tour, the hotel will have long term parking available for $10/day. Each driver will need to pay for this expense on their own. We have arranged for those bringing bike boxes to store them at the van rental location (UHaul Midtown, approximately one mile away).   On the last day, we will cycle to the hotel where we began our trip and disband.   Riders can book an extra night if they prefer not to begin travelling home. 

We will have a luggage transport van.  Be aware you will be lifting and loading your own bag onto the van.  We recommend you pack as lightly as possible and consider two smaller suitcases rather than one that is too heavy to be lifted by one person.  In some locations, you may have an upstairs room and may need to carry your bag upstairs, as several of the “rustic” hotels do not have an elevator.   The van’s primary role is to transport luggage and supplies.  Riders are expected to complete the ride each day as the van does not function as a “sag” vehicle.  The van will assist in cases of emergency.  Riders need to be able to change a flat tire and handle minor mechanical issues on the road.  Please note that cell phone coverage can be spotty in the mountains. 

Our trip begins with an afternoon meeting at 5 pm, July 6, 2027 at the Ruby River Hotel in Spokane.  The leaders are not aware of any bicycle rental opportunities.  Tandems and/or Ebikes are welcome, but riders should discuss this with the leaders prior to being accepted on the ride.  Ebikes may not have batteries sufficient to cover one day’s ride and an Ebike rider should consider this and carry an extra battery if needed.  

COST & ADMINISTRATION;

First payment of $1600 as well as $85 club ride fee, due upon sign up.

Second payment of  $2000 due by Feb 1, 2027.

Solos:  Due to the restrictions of our accommodations, we will not be taking solo reservations.  See below for Singles that wish to ride.

The Canadian costs are calculated at an exchange rate of $1 Canadian = $0.75 US. The budget has been estimated with the expectation that increased cost of gasoline and vehicle rentals as well as other items will result in increased costs. As always, any unused funds will be refunded to riders after the tour is completed and if we have over-estimated cost increase, refunds will reflect this.

SINGLES & SOLOS: Due room limitations in some of the hotels, we can accommodate couples and singles who will need to share a room with a roommate. We recommend that singles find their own roommate prior to signing up and not leave it to other singles sign-ups. Ride Leaders can introduce and assist singles to find roommates, but singles must make their own rooming decision.

As noted above, our hotel accommodations in some locations are restrictive. This affects our ability to accept solo riders. Solos may be accepted on a limited basis. Please contact the ride leader for details. The solo supplement is $2,221.00 and will be due on Dec 21st, 2027.

CANCELLATION POLICY:  The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY: Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

Both of the following Insurance Advisories are in effect for this tour, because travel is within the USA and also out of the USA. Depending on where you are should you have an incident, will determine which insurance policy is in effect. 

Insurance Statement:  BAC maintains two insurance policies: a) United States, and b) Foreign (all other countries). Both the U.S. and Foreign policies are considered secondary policies to your personal medical insurance policy. They are subject to a $1000 deductible and may not cover all expenses related to an accident. Copies of the current policies are located under the “Docs” tab on the BAC website. 

Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. While touring in the U.S, the BAC insurance includes coverage for injuries due to accidents during the bike trip. Members’ personal insurance will need to cover medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected illness (i.e. treatment for unexpected illnesses, including Covid, are not covered). 

While touring internationally, i.e., outside of the U.S., BAC maintains Foreign accident insurance to assist with expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies (including sudden and unexpected sickness), and repatriation. Insurance will apply door-to-door for treatment and travel for a maximum of 90 days overall. Coverage extends to a limited period spanning the published BAC trip dates, allowing for side trips occurring before and after the BAC ride; the limitation period is 7 days before or after the published BAC trip dates. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine.
 

SIGN UP:   To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable $85 BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card.  As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.